Allegations that cattle are dying across Guyana while the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) does nothing have been labelled “totally false” by the agency’s Head. Dr. Dwight Walrond.
At a press conference today, Dr. Walrond said that GLDA maintains an active veterinary surveillance programme, provides extension services, disease monitoring, vaccination campaigns, diagnostic support, and emergency responses whenever cases are reported. He emphasized that livestock production, like every agricultural activity, faces occasional challenges. “But to suggest that the Authority is absent or indifferent is a gross distortion of reality.”
Dr. Walrond revealed that over the past months, the GLDA surveillance department provided services to a total of 1,137 farmers, and a total of 34,076 animals received animal welfare intervention and relief efforts. He called” “unfortunate” that persons “have chosen to engage in what appears to be political grandstanding instead of working constructively with farmers.”
Dr. Walrond noted that dead animals posted on social media could have been affected in ways beyond the government’s control. He said that in rainy weather, snakes and other animals also seek higher ground and could harm livestock.
The GLDA head said that genuine concerns affecting livestock producers should always be reported through the proper channels, where they are investigated professionally and addressed promptly.” Using misinformation and sensationalism for political gain serves neither farmers nor the development of the livestock industry,” said Dr. Walrond.
He added that under the leadership of Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, Guyana’s agriculture sector has experienced unprecedented investment and expansion. Dr Walrond further noted that the government has invested billions of dollars in drainage and irrigation, farm-to-market roads, livestock development, black giant poultry, genetic improvement programmes, veterinary services, shade houses, aquaculture, mechanization, and direct support to farmers across every region of the country.
